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Owner description: Castle Kuernriger (Schloß Kürnriger) is the main attraction of Durnstein (Dürnstein). It is the ruins of the castle in which Richard Leoncoeur, King of England was held prisoner for a year while returning from a Crusade. The ransom was used by the Duke of Babenberg to build the city walls of Vienna. This is a popular historical attraction especially for British people.

To the cycling enthusiasts I went with, the "old" path up to the castle was no problem, but if you are older, short, out of shape or have bad knees, make sure you take the new path. It is wide, paved most of the way and has interpretive signs along the way. I can't say that it is any steeper because it goes to the same place, but it is a slope rather than some combination of rough, uneven stone stairs, tree roots and the occasional hillside scramble. Those afraid of heights should not be too concerned either way, and the old way does have an occasional view of the river, but the views are best from on top the castle, where the fear of heights can become a problem – another good reason to at least go DOWN the new way, as I did.

As you face the town from the river, the new path is on the right hand side of town and plainly marked. The old way starts in the middle of town, down the old Main Street to your left. Your choice. Either way, leave plenty of time to get up and back before dark, but if you have the opportunity, stay into the night and see the beautiful way the old castle is illuminated.

Visited August 2012

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If you're in decent shape and you can handle a steep 20 or 30-minute climb, you'll be rewarded by arguably the most spectacular views of the Danube to be found anywhere. From the top, you can see neighbouring villages and the river winding under steep hills so make sure you have your camera with you. As for the castle itself, the ruins are small and scattered but this is where Richard the Lionheart spent some time so it's of significant historical relevancy.

Visited June 2012

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matthiusmattiopolis

Washington DC, District of Columbia

Senior Contributor

25 reviews

18 attraction reviews

Reviews in 5 cities

9 helpful votes

“Sweaty hike, but worth it!”

Reviewed July 20, 2012

It sure took some doing going up the mountain, but it was well worth it. I'd say it only took 30 min or less. I went up the steep route from the main street in town, next to the cemetary. The view from above is nice of the Danube and neighboring towns. You can see vineyards streching on for miles. It is amazing thinking of the history and time that had gone by. I'd like to see an old drawign of how the castle looked. All I've seen are the ruins.

Visited July 2012

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General_Ron

Tbilisi

Senior Contributor

42 reviews

16 attraction reviews

Reviews in 20 cities

37 helpful votes

“Nice view - long climb”

Reviewed July 1, 2012

This is the ruin of the castle where Richard Lionheart was imprisioned. There are great views of the countryside, but the ruin is just that, a ruin, and not much left of the castle to fuel the imagination.

Visited June 2012

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DevonFoxtrotone

DEVON

Top Contributor

110 reviews

30 attraction reviews

Reviews in 56 cities

57 helpful votes

“Worth the climb”

Reviewed June 8, 2012

There are two ways up - I took the steep one up and came to the conclusion that such a route would have be banned in the UK under Health & Safety. The ancient pathway has crumbled and its more a case of having to be very careful. Teenagers would enjoy it but nothing younger. The views from the top are breathtaking and the longer route down with information boards is probably the best way to return to the village

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